Cave City Teacher Carlee Qualls Named August "Face of Arkansas"

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has named Carlee Qualls, a fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Cave City Elementary, as the August "Face of Arkansas," recognizing her innovative teaching methods and deep community involvement.

The "Faces of Arkansas" series, now in its ninth installment, highlights Arkansans whose portraits and stories are displayed at the entrance to the Governor’s office. The initiative aims to keep public service focused on the individuals and communities that define the state, featuring those who serve as the heartbeat of their local areas, overcome obstacles, or play essential roles in their industries.

Qualls is celebrated for transforming classroom lessons into unforgettable experiences, such as recreating colonial America in Cave City. She leverages local landmarks and community volunteers to bring history to life, a method she believes creates lasting memories for students. "I feel like the memories when you create those experiences for them that are out of the ordinary and kind of absurd–those memories are going to last longer than what I taught them in my classroom on the day-to-day basis," Qualls said.

Beyond her classroom, Qualls is deeply embedded in the Cave City community, known for its world-famous watermelons and strong neighborly spirit. She volunteered to help raise funds for an inclusive playground and serves in multiple roles for her school district, including preschool director and English as a Second Language services coordinator, and coaches peewee basketball.

Qualls reflected on her 16-year teaching career, noting the initial challenges and the crucial role of mentorship. She emphasized the ongoing importance of reflection and teamwork, especially with the implementation of the Arkansas LEARNS Act. This legislation provides teachers with better access to student data, contributing to significant improvements in student proficiency across the state, including a 20% increase on the ATLAS exam and a 30% improvement in K-2 literacy.

For Qualls, teaching is about empowering students to find their voice, particularly through reading. "I know it’s kind of cliché to say, but reading can really take you places," she said. She believes that when students gain confidence through stories and expression, they are better equipped to succeed in various aspects of life.